i ♥ Seoul (#3)

TRANSPORT GET AROUND

By subway

In Seoul, you can visit most places by using the subway. There are currently nine lines (14 if you count the Bundang Line, Jungang Line, Gyeongui Line, Incheon Line and Airport Line), all numbered and distinguished by different colors. All signs in the subway system are in Korean (both hangeul and if applicable, hanja) and English. The signs leading to the platform for a particular direction of travel on a given subway line typically list the names of a number of stations in that direction. Stations each have a 3 digit number, however Koreans don't really make use of these numbers and they're not on most subway maps, so don't rely on them. A subway map including Line 9 (opened in early 2009) can be found here:[7].

Subway fares are based on the distance traveled, but the shortest ride costs ₩1000(base charge) plus Card deposit \500(refundable when you return the card). Since May, 1st, 2009, magnetic tickets are replaced by T-moneys(RFID card). Tickets can be purchased from vending machines ONLY. All vending machines accept coins and bills. \10000 notes are currently acceptable and there's usually a bill exchanger lurking nearby. Hang onto your ticket until the end of your trip, as you'll need it to get out. Most of Seoul's automated ticket machines are now equipped with Touch Screen and full English support. Make sure you have fare plus additional \500 when you first purchasing at Ticketing machine. But consider Ticketing machines are usually crowded, so buying 2 cards(one for return trip) are recommended when you go around.

If planning on using the Metro extensively or staying for more than a few weeks, consider purchasing a T-money stored value contactless smart card. You can buy this card at most subway stations and many newspaper kiosks near subway entrances, as well as convenience stores. The card itself costs ₩3000 and cash can be charged onto the card as often as you like. When entering and leaving a subway turnstile, place the card on the reader (leaving it inside your purse or wallet is fine) and it will deduct the appropriate fare from the card. Using this card will allow you to save ₩100 on all transfers (there are common with Seoul's extensive subway system) and you can get all but ₩500 back if you have unused credit. Typically for most travellers staying less than 2 weeks in Seoul, purchasing this card may not be cheaper but other factors should be considered: it can also be used for taxi fares, buses, storage lockers, pay phones, etc. and saves the hassle from figuring out how much you need to pay or waiting in line to buy a single-use ticket. The subway is not operated 24 hours, so you may be stranded late at night.

By bus

Seoul also has an extensive bus service. There are four different kinds of buses: yellow, green, blue, and red. Yellow buses have a short circuit usually around tourist areas. Green buses travel around neighborhoods and connect with the subway. Blue buses go across town, while red buses are intercity buses. Buses will only stop at designated bus stops and will not wait for indecisive travelers.

Adult fare is as follows: Cash - ₩1000 T-Money Card - ₩900

Note that by using a T-Money card, you can transfer between the bus and the subway for free up to 30 minutes after your last scan. The city of Seoul provides an interactive bus map at the following site: Seoul Public Transportation System Guide

By taxi

There are four kinds of taxis in Seoul: regular taxi, deluxe taxi, international taxi and call taxi. Deluxe taxis are colored black with a yellow sign, and are more expensive than regular taxis but provide better and more comfortable service. Regular taxis are silver. For the most part, regular taxi cabs have leather interiors and the drivers are nice--so for many, "regular" in Seoul might be "delux" in their hometown! It's easy to hail a taxi any time of the day or night along any relatively major Seoul street.You can call a deluxe taxi wherever you are by calling 3431-5100. Sometimes you can find a visitor's guide taxi which is a kind of deluxe taxi, the drivers of which know English and Japanese and can guide you around Seoul city.

The basic fare for regular taxis is ₩2400 (₩2880 at night), with additional fare of ₩100 applied according to time and distance.(Basic fare is up to 2km, additional fare is ₩100 per 144m.) In deluxe taxis, the basic fare is ₩4500 and the additional fare increases in increments of ₩200. (₩4500 basic fare up to 3km, additionally ₩200 per 164m.) International taxi drivers speak at least one foreign language (generally English) fluently. International taxis use the same basic fare as regular taxis, plus an additional 20%.

If there is more than one passenger, and you are traveling only a short distance (e.g., 1-2 Metro stops) it is usually cheaper to catch a taxi than to take a bus or subway.

In general, English speaking ability is poor among taxi drivers, so it would be necessary to have your destination written in Korean to show to the taxi driver. It is also wise to get your hotel's business card in case you get lost. Some may even reject looking at a map so whenever possible, have the location written in Korean. All taxis advertise a free interpretation service that can be called if you need help. The phone number for the interpretation is on the window sticker of the back seats. Taxis that have an "On Base Authorized" sticker on the side, or a green sticker on their front bumper, are capable of entering US Military bases in Seoul. These drivers are required to speak better English as part of their contract, and therefore may be easier for any English speaking tourists.

As of 2009, most taxis will accept credit cards and T-money cards. Those that do will have a V-shaped orange card sign on the roof of the taxi by the front passenger seat window. However, drivers generally prefer that you pay cash, especially for short rides. You can also ask for your receipt. Say "Young-soo-jeong"(영수증), which is receipt in Korean.